Cadet for a day

Going to cadet for a day in a couple of weeks and this will be our first time to USCGA. Is there a tour for parents while there or are we on our own? All I saw was a Q & A session after the kids report. What are the "must sees" locally (keeping in mind it will be cold!)?
 
Walk around the campus. Drop some change at the Exchange. Old Mystic Village is a 10 minute drive, as is the Aquarium. The Nautilus sub museum is at the Navy base across the river. Fort Griswold (Rev War) is also across the river. There are a couple small museums in downtown New London, as well as Fort Trumbull. Interesting places to eat along Bank Street (Muddy Waters...) Where are you coming from? Cold is relative.
 
Walk around the campus. Drop some change at the Exchange. Old Mystic Village is a 10 minute drive, as is the Aquarium. The Nautilus sub museum is at the Navy base across the river. Fort Griswold (Rev War) is also across the river. There are a couple small museums in downtown New London, as well as Fort Trumbull. Interesting places to eat along Bank Street (Muddy Waters...) Where are you coming from? Cold is relative.
Ha-true! Just meant we are not visiting in the summer, early fall like so many seem to have done. Ohio
 
Going to cadet for a day in a couple of weeks and this will be our first time to USCGA. Is there a tour for parents while there or are we on our own? All I saw was a Q & A session after the kids report. What are the "must sees" locally (keeping in mind it will be cold!)?
My DD just got back last night from the Genesis Invitational which is similar to cadet for the day and she loved it! She's applying to other academies but could not believe how open and friendly everyone was. I think this is now her top choice.
 
Going to cadet for a day in a couple of weeks and this will be our first time to USCGA. Is there a tour for parents while there or are we on our own? All I saw was a Q & A session after the kids report. What are the "must sees" locally (keeping in mind it will be cold!)?

We will be there also, if you are referring to the one on Dec. 5. I was also wondering about programming for the parents.
 
My DS was set on Annapolis from 8th grade until last summer ... sailed on Eagle for about 2 weeks - changed his mind completely - immediately knew he wanted to be at USCGA - from the crew, the captain, the OCS, and even the Vice Admiral - all were like family ... that's what he felt fit his personality best - respectfully he declined the USNA when they called for an interview
 
My DS was set on Annapolis from 8th grade until last summer ... sailed on Eagle for about 2 weeks - changed his mind completely - immediately knew he wanted to be at USCGA - from the crew, the captain, the OCS, and even the Vice Admiral - all were like family ... that's what he felt fit his personality best - respectfully he declined the USNA when they called for an interview
Exactly. My DD was focused on West Point but this has changes everything. However, she's not in a position to be choosy since her test scores are on the lower end of competitive. Hopefully, CGA will see her other qualities.
 
They preach a holistic review of the complete candidate ... keep the faith ... she's either gonna be CGA or CGAS this fall!
 
We will be there also, if you are referring to the one on Dec. 5. I was also wondering about programming for the parents.
Actually 12/1-2 overnight, I called admissions and there is no formal tour only a Q & A with admissions. At least we can walk around on our own- we are looking forward to finally seeing the campus and getting a better feel for the academy.
 
Mere knows what the programs are but is asking how attending impacts admissions. I have no insider knowledge, but have to think that if there is a separate program for underrepresented minority students that there is a need to draw in more kids in that group. I wouldn't know #s, but would guess that a strong candidate who is also in the URM group would have a better shot than one who is not. This is certainly true at other colleges, would think it holds true in this case at the SA, especially since they created a separate program just to recruit kids
The program for URM exists because it is extremely difficult to find quality diversity candidates who wish to attend a service academy. The goal is to have an officer core which represents the service. The Genesis program is a diversity outreach program. The USAFA has one similar called Falcon Visitation Experience(FVE).
 
Actually 12/1-2 overnight, I called admissions and there is no formal tour only a Q & A with admissions. At least we can walk around on our own- we are looking forward to finally seeing the campus and getting a better feel for the academy.
you will love it there ... not sure where you are staying if you are staying overnight ... the spring hills suites on frontage rd. is like 5 minutes away ... the campus is a bit hilly so wear comfy shoes ... its cool to go into Leamy Hall and see all the different Class ring panels on the walls and look out over the water
 
They preach a holistic review of the complete candidate ... keep the faith ... she's either gonna be CGA or CGAS this fall!
That is really nice of you to say. She has worked so hard for this, sacrificed a lot of the things teen ages like to do as I know most of the applicants on this forum have done. I'm a substitute teacher in a socially and economically disadvantaged high school and what I see here will require some very strong future leaders to manage.
 
you will love it there ... not sure where you are staying if you are staying overnight ... the spring hills suites on frontage rd. is like 5 minutes away ... the campus is a bit hilly so wear comfy shoes ... its cool to go into Leamy Hall and see all the different Class ring panels on the walls and look out over the water
My DD and her Dad stayed at the Groton Inn and suites and they said the beds were really comfortable which means a lot coming from them and the free breakfast was exceptional.(for free anyway.) $79 a night too. Just another idea.
 
you will love it there ... not sure where you are staying if you are staying overnight ... the spring hills suites on frontage rd. is like 5 minutes away ... the campus is a bit hilly so wear comfy shoes ... its cool to go into Leamy Hall and see all the different Class ring panels on the walls and look out over the water
Thank you- we used points at a hotel in Mystic. She is very excited for his opportunity and we are too
 
That is really nice of you to say. She has worked so hard for this, sacrificed a lot of the things teen ages like to do as I know most of the applicants on this forum have done. I'm a substitute teacher in a socially and economically disadvantaged high school and what I see here will require some very strong future leaders to manage.

I've been following your posts for a while now and can completely relate. These kids did give up so much during high school. From reading all of your posts, I understand you're concerned about your daughter's SAT scores, but do you know that although my daughter's SAT score is close to 1400, she is actually intimidated by YOUR DD's accomplishments? It's really not all about the SAT scores, and my DD is feeling totally inadequate right now. Your DD sounds like a great candidate! Have faith! :) Also, I knew some incredible CGAS kids who were smart, athletic, very active during high school... they seemed to lack nothing. I wondered why they were even in CGAS, but it turned out their test scores were low. So, if that's really the only area she's lacking, there's always a chance of getting CGAS.

Another thing... my DD is a horrible, horrible test taker too. Her initial SAT score on the old test was only in the upper 1700's, something like 640M 590R. She had no time to take on-site classes like Kaplan, so she studied diligently online and with books. She eventually improved to mid 1900 on the old test, almost 1400 on the new test. I know, still not that great like the 1560, but a big improvement. From speaking with her friends, she learned that taking classes hardly helped people but just doing practice after practice and going over every mistake help far more. Is your DD taking any more SAT's? Is she studying daily, even for just 20 min a day? That really helped my DD- just becoming familiar and comfortable with every type of problem. HOW she studies is also very important, not just how much. If she is retaking in December or January (I think that's the last one they'll still take for RA), she still has the thanksgiving break and/or Christmas break to cram. If it could still help, I can tell you what material my DD used if you'd like. Please feel free to PM me. With so little free time and no extra money to spare, I was so desperate, I researched A LOT for her study material. Hahaha... this is starting to sound like a wrong thread. :D
 
Thank you- we used points at a hotel in Mystic. She is very excited for his opportunity and we are too

I love Mystic, my family always stayed at the Hyatt when they came to visit. If you're looking for good restaurants, Captain Daniel Packard Inn is amazing. They have a more formal, nicer dining room upstairs and then a more pub like atmosphere below. It's a little pricier but worth it! S&P Oyster Company is also delicious and is right on the water. Margaritas is good for Mexican too and the Steak Loft is good as well. In terms of stuff to do for you while your DD is involved with the programs, the Mystic Seaport is a cool place to check out. You could also see if there are any Academy sporting events scheduled for that time at www.uscgasports.com.

The program for URM exists because it is extremely difficult to find quality diversity candidates who wish to attend a service academy. The goal is to have an officer core which represents the service. The Genesis program is a diversity outreach program. The USAFA has one similar called Falcon Visitation Experience(FVE).

Keep in mind that the program also encompasses more than just the mainstream thought of what an URM is. The program is also geared towards first generation college students (of all ethnicities). Diversity also refers to geographic diversity. You don't want everyone entering the Academy to just be from CA, NJ, VA, TX, etc...although as a Jersey Girl I'll admit we're the best. ;)

That is really nice of you to say. She has worked so hard for this, sacrificed a lot of the things teen ages like to do as I know most of the applicants on this forum have done. I'm a substitute teacher in a socially and economically disadvantaged high school and what I see here will require some very strong future leaders to manage.

All your daughter can do is her best, no more can be asked of her. I had to take several SAT courses, fill out several prep books and study to break 600 on my math. It took a lot of work. While SAT scores are important, it's the whole person concept that is most critical. When I interview people as a part of the Admissions Partner program, I don't look nearly as hard as SAT scores as I do about the individual themselves. Has your daughter been able to interview with anyone? It could work in her favor and strengthen her application if she is able to present herself well, speak articulately and is candid about her strengths and weaknesses. If this year she doesn't succeed, there is no harm in her trying again if USCGA and the Coast Guard is what she really wants.
 
I love Mystic, my family always stayed at the Hyatt when they came to visit. If you're looking for good restaurants, Captain Daniel Packard Inn is amazing. They have a more formal, nicer dining room upstairs and then a more pub like atmosphere below. It's a little pricier but worth it! S&P Oyster Company is also delicious and is right on the water. Margaritas is good for Mexican too and the Steak Loft is good as well. In terms of stuff to do for you while your DD is involved with the programs, the Mystic Seaport is a cool place to check out. You could also see if there are any Academy sporting events scheduled for that time at www.uscgasports.com.



Keep in mind that the program also encompasses more than just the mainstream thought of what an URM is. The program is also geared towards first generation college students (of all ethnicities). Diversity also refers to geographic diversity. You don't want everyone entering the Academy to just be from CA, NJ, VA, TX, etc...although as a Jersey Girl I'll admit we're the best. ;)



All your daughter can do is her best, no more can be asked of her. I had to take several SAT courses, fill out several prep books and study to break 600 on my math. It took a lot of work. While SAT scores are important, it's the whole person concept that is most critical. When I interview people as a part of the Admissions Partner program, I don't look nearly as hard as SAT scores as I do about the individual themselves. Has your daughter been able to interview with anyone? It could work in her favor and strengthen her application if she is able to present herself well, speak articulately and is candid about her strengths and weaknesses. If this year she doesn't succeed, there is no harm in her trying again if USCGA and the Coast Guard is what she really wants.
Yes, she met Daniel Pinch when he came out to the Alameda Base for an informational meeting and he told her she "has to go" to the Genesis Invitational. She had been invited earlier but I was afraid for her to miss school since she's buried deep. Sure enough, she just got back Tuesday night and hadn't left the office until 7 am this morning and that is no exaggeration. But SO worth it. Loved the academy. Could say enough about it! She took her PFE and scored a 211 which I think was due to quite a few admissions folks watching because she didn't get that score during her practice at home. If its meant to be, it'll happen. She will keep in communication with admissions so they understand how much she wants this.
 
Actually 12/1-2 overnight, I called admissions and there is no formal tour only a Q & A with admissions. At least we can walk around on our own- we are looking forward to finally seeing the campus and getting a better feel for the academy.
My son and husband will be there too! leaving tonight.... Enjoy it! :)
 
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